Future-Proof

Eaton Square School is focusing on character education to prepare every child for life beyond their education.

It’s been two years since Eaton Square Mayfair disrupted the secondary school market in London when it opened on Piccadilly in September 2017. It’s been a time of development, reflection and definition, where the school has found its place in the independent education sector and is now focusing on character education and preparing each and every child for the world beyond the school gates.

Under the strong leadership of joint heads, John Wilson and Caroline Townshend, the school continues to go from strength to strength. These Heads and all the teaching staff are passionate about nurturing each individual’s soft skills and instilling values that will enable pupils to confidently and successfully embrace their future world. Leadership development lessons are an integral part of the core curriculum; each pupil undertakes the ‘Compass for Life’ programme which encourages them to aspire to achieve the most ambitious of dreams, and then helps them plan pathways to achieve these.

All pupils also participate in a life skills programme which aims to equip them with the skills and strategies for success in our multifaceted and ever-changing world through debating, mentoring, public speaking and communication workshops. Running alongside this, ‘Genius’ lessons allow pupils to work collaboratively, across curriculum areas, in a way which reflects much of the modern world of work. Pupils take ownership of their learning because they are actively involved in creating and leading their own projects.

The upper school entry process remains balanced and well-rounded, with significant value placed on a teacher/student interview rather than just a test. This enables the school to develop a much greater picture of the student as a person, rather than just their academic capabilities, and from there they can provide a recommendation in a much more considered and effective manner. For many parents the path to finding the dream school for their child isn’t always a straightforward process. However, the Eaton Square Schools Group still aims to eradicate the challenge of tough entrance exams at 11+ and provide a well-rounded, holistic educational pathway for students, ranging all the way from nursery school through to the upper school where students can remain until they’re ready for higher education.

The prep school is expanding in September to a new building on Eccleston Square with a new head at the helm and the sixth form is opening in 2020. On the cusp of this exciting development, the group is using the change in buildings to assess the entire curriculum throughout every stage. There are many factors to consider and striking a balance between an environment that’s stimulating and exciting, which allows children to thrive and develop their passions – without the stress of tough entrance exams, constant testing and physical and emotional upheaval – can be a challenge. Championing children’s mental health remains the schools’ priority and the next chapter aims to deliver a happy, successful education experience for all pupils to prepare them for the future.